Interview to Terji Skibenæs of Tyr

Interview by Luis Landeo
Hails Terji, welcome to Arsenal Del Metalero, for me is a pleasure have this interview with you, how goes the things with Tyr? and have the band thinked work and release a new album? because the last album was "Valkyrja", released in 2013 and have the band thinked work in a DVD too?
Hi. Things are going great, having a break now until April so we can focus on new material. So we’re in the process of writing new songs. A new album will hopefully be released late this year. We haven’t talked about a DVD yet, but hopefully that will happen soon.

In last album was included a cover song of Pantera, and you Terji have a tattoo of "Cowboys From Hell (CFH)" so how Pantera and groove metal music influyed in Tyr sound? 
It’s my CHF tattoo. I don’t think Pantera has influenced our sound at all. It’s more Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden and so on. But Pantera is my absolute favourite metal band of all time.

Last album had the participation of Liv Kristine, how was work with her in last album? and how was record the music video of "The Lay Of Our Love" with her?
It was very easy, we just sent her the song and she sang it in their own studio and sent it back to us.
We recorded the video in Belgrade, and it was very professional and Liv is an easy going person, so everything went very quick and well.

Tyr are inspired in many myths and traditions of the vikings, what nordic myths or stories of viking history inspired you? and how do you compose the melody and riffs for Tyr music?
It’s Heri that is inspired by the the nordic myths, so I can’t really answer that. Some of the songs are arranged from very old Faroese traditional songs and we make them into metal. But most of our songs are just written by us. We usually record demos at home and then send them to each other, then the others can change some parts and so on. We usually have all the songs done and ready when we go in to the studio.

What equipment do you use to record Tyr music? and what are your metal influences to play guitar?
I mainly use 7 stringed Ibanez guitars and ENGL or Mesa Boogie amps. Depending on the parts I’m playing. My biggest influence would be Dimebag Darrell, Kirk Hammett and Slash. 

Valkyrja had the participation too of George Kollias in the drums how was his work? and well actually the band have a new drummer and is: Amon Djurhuus, how was called him to be the new member of Tyr?
He was absolutely great. He nailed the songs right away in the studio. I think he only used 2 days to record everything. He’s one of the greatest drummers around. Amon got to be the new member cause we were friends with him in the first place and he’s a great drummer. 

How was the last tour of tyr? and what good experiences can you tell about it?
Our last tour was in Europe during December together with Sabaton and Korpiklaani. A lot of crazy stuff happened, but what happens on tour stays on tour. 

Well to finish this interview do you have a message to fans of Tyr and Arsenal Del Metalero readers?
Keep a look out for our new album which will hopefully be released late this year. We are very excited to start recording it so that we can release some new stuff to you guys!

To know more about Tyr:
https://www.facebook.com/tyrband